The provider must clearly and unambiguously label the button, for example with "Cancel contract". They must not hide it somewhere on the website. (Photo: © Rawpixel/123RF.com)
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From June 19, 2026, consumers will be able to cancel their online contracts much more easily: Internet retailers will then be required to provide a clearly visible cancellation button on their website.
From the June 19, 2026 must consumers Online contracts They can revoke their orders much more easily: Online retailers must then display a clearly visible so-called [missing word] on their website. Cancellation button .
The new regulation applies to Contracts for goods, services and financial products that customers purchase through a Online user interface as a Website or App to conclude. It makes no difference whether someone concludes the contract directly with an online shop or via an intermediary platform. Contracts concluded exclusively via Phone or email arise, fall not underneath.
The only important thing is that there is a legal requirement. Right to cancel
 exists (read here > More information about the right of withdrawalThe basis is the Directive (EU) 2023/2673which all member states must transpose into national law. The German legislature has already decided on this transposition: it is included in the new Section 356a of the German Civil Code (BGB).
According to information from the Central Association of German Skilled Crafts (ZDH) are craft workshopsBusinesses operating B2C online shops via websites or apps are affected by the new regulation. Companies should prepare for this new obligation in good time.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
The new regulation will come into effect on June 19, 2026 It is in force. Other member states have also already begun implementation. Once all member states have implemented the directive, all consumers in the EU will benefit from this regulation.
Foreign online shops too have From June 19, 2026, a cancellation button must be offered under certain conditions. The decisive factor is whether the respective Country has already implemented the directive or whether the offer is specifically aimed at female consumers and Consumers in Germany This is directed and therefore German law applies. German law generally applies if a shop is a .de domain This applies if the provider uses a service that offers content in German or specifically delivers to Germany. In these cases, the providers must provide a cancellation button.
The process is two-stage to shape: Consumers can, as a first step, access the Cancellation button click. This is usually a button (Button), but a LinkThe provider must include the button. clear and unambiguous label it, for example with "Cancel contract"It must not be hidden on the website. If consumers have to search for it extensively, this does not comply with legal requirements. The same applies if the labeling is misleading.
Users then typically enter the following information into an input form. data one:
Im second Step by clicking on one next buttonThis one must also be clearly labelled, for example with "Confirm cancellation". Only when they activate this second button will the cancellation be considered valid. explained.
After that, the providers must immediately Confirmation of receipt Send. Customers should definitely check whether this confirmation has been received. The two-step process prevents anyone from accidentally triggering a cancellation.
Important: The button must be disabled for the entire duration of the cancellation period. Easy to find in 14 days, be placed in a clearly visible location and be clearly labelled.
Even without a cancellation button, consumers can still exercise their right of cancellation. explain in another way, for example via email. For entrepreneur However, the absence of a cancellation button from June 19, 2026, onwards can have legal consequences. If they do not offer the required function, they risk legal repercussions. warnings.
If the corresponding text module for the electronic cancellation function is missing from the cancellation policy, extended the 14-day cancellation period is extended a year. Besides that verlieren Craft businesses then have the right to replacement value for services already rendered in the event of a cancellation.
Source: ZDH; ECC Germany
PRACTICAL TIP
Find craftsmen free additional Information > at the Central Association of German Skilled Crafts (ZDH).Right to cancel

Since 2014, private customers have had a 14-day Right to cancel
 at Distance selling contracts and for contracts that outside business premises were closed (AGV).
Example of a AGV: The craftsman takes measurements on site and then concludes a contract directly with the customer. oral Contract. In such situations, businesses must inform consumers in a timely and comprehensive manner about their Inform about the right of withdrawalFrom this point on, the customer can 14 days long revoke the contract without giving reasons.
Attention: if the instruction about the right of withdrawal missing, is incorrect or incomplete, extended the right to 12 months and 14 days! If the craftsman begins his work at the express request of the customer near After the 14-day period has expired, the customer should definitely not forget to provide the information! Only then will the customer be required to pay for the services already provided in the event of a cancellation. Without In such cases, the craftsman will not follow the proper cancellation policy blank out!
New rules for the cancellation policy since May 2022:
– Since May 2002 no Fax number no longer be mentioned – neither in the cancellation policy nor in the cancellation form! Voluntary information is still possible.
- The Phone number must be included in the cancellation policy (note: not in the cancellation form!).
- The Email address . in both be specified, including in the Cancellation form.
– The cancellation policy must also inform consumers about the circumstances under which they can exercise an initially existing right of cancellation. verlieren, inform.
– What's also new is that the consumer has a Confirmation To do so, the trader must provide the consumer with a Documents (as paper, email, SMS, etc.) confirming that the customer expressly agrees to the execution of the contract before the expiry of the withdrawal period agreed and has confirmed his knowledge of the associated loss of the right of withdrawal upon contract execution. The customer must also be informed of this fact.
NO right of withdrawal for emergency operations
In individual cases, the customer no Right of withdrawal, even if the contract was concluded outside the business premises. exceptions are for example "Emergency operations" Who urgent repairs and maintenance measures for which the consumer has expressly requested the tradesman. This could be, for example, a burst pipe or the repair of storm or hail damage. Please note: The exceptions do not apply automatically. Rather, the tradesman must inform the consumer about instruct, that he has no right of withdrawal.
Right to cancel
 Customer cancels door-to-door sales, tradesman left empty-handed. > Read more here!The Adviser in the Craftsmanshipmern help them bei Legal issues gerne .DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital DHB for free!
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